The bridge reaches a height of 110 meters, making it one of the tallest road bridge spans in Brazil.
It connects the Serra Gaúcha municipalities of Veranópolis and Bento Gonçalves, two regions known for their significant Italian heritage.
The bridge serves as a major landmark along the BR-470 federal highway.
The structure was inaugurated in 1953 to replace older river crossing methods in the rugged Antas River valley.
Ponte Ernesto Dornelles, commonly known as Ponte dos Arcos, is an iconic concrete arch bridge spanning the Antas River between the municipalities of Veranópolis and Bento Gonçalves in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Completed in 1953, it is celebrated for its imposing structural design and role as a vital engineering landmark in the region. The bridge rises 110 meters above the river level, serving as a primary connection point between the Serra Gaúcha mountain region and the rest of the state. Its distinctive twin-arch architecture is a focal point for road travelers navigating the winding mountain topography. The structure has historically been part of the BR-470 highway route. Recent regional infrastructure developments have sometimes seen traffic diverted to newer adjacent bridge systems, preserving the historical importance of this specific span.
The viewpoint located on the Veranópolis side of the bridge offers the clearest angle of the arch geometry.
Pull over carefully at designated safe areas before the bridge entrance to appreciate the scale of the architecture.
Check local traffic news for the BR-470 before departure, as landslides occasionally impact mountain highway flow in this region.
Do not attempt to walk along the shoulder of the bridge during heavy rain or fog, as visibility drops significantly.
Stay clear of the active roadway and do not stand in traffic lanes to take photos.
